Fossil Lake Safari: Split Your Own Rock and Keep the Finds on a Private Kemmerer Dig

KEMMERER GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Fossil Lake Safari: Split Your Own Rock and Keep the Finds on a Private Kemmerer Dig

A full-day, private dig at the Fossil Lake quarry near Kemmerer where participants split their own cache of fossil-rich rock and keep what they find.

Fossil Lake Safari: Split Your Own Rock and Keep the Finds on a Private Kemmerer Dig.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Kemmerer
Operator
FossilEra Adventures LLC
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set against the high plains near Kemmerer, Wyoming, the Fossil Lake Safari is a private, full-day excavation that grants visitors access to one of the world’s premier fossil beds. Participants work fresh rock from the Fossil Lake quarry—splitting, searching and keeping specimens from a site that preserves dozens of species of fish, plants, insects, birds, reptiles and mammals.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE DIG

Hands-on rock-splitting at the Fossil Lake quarry

The exclusive package delivers your own cache of fresh rock to split on site; hammers and tools are provided along with instruction and hands-on assistance so you can uncover and keep real fossils.

THE FINDS

A diverse fossil assemblage to discover

Fossil Lake yields dozens of species across groups—fish, plants, insects, birds, reptiles and mammals—so each cache of rock offers a wide range of possible discoveries.

THE PACKAGE

Private access plus a generous allotment of rock

The exclusive dig includes access to the quarry and 2 cubic meters of fossil-loaded rock per party, with onsite guidance in finding and identifying specimens.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

This is a deliberate, physical day in the field: an orientation followed by tool distribution and instruction, then sustained time at the quarry splitting your provided cache of rock under the guidance of staff who help point out promising seams and identify finds. Expect focused, hands‑on work and the quiet reward of pulling fossils from fresh matrix.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this experience suits—and what the provided information says about limits.

1
Hands-on CollectorsIdeal for collectors and enthusiasts who want direct access to fresh rock and the assurance they can keep what they find; the package supplies rock, tools and identification help.
2
Outdoor EnthusiastsA good match for travelers comfortable with a full day outdoors doing physical work—rock splitting and quarry fieldwork are core to the experience.
3
FamiliesFamilies can participate, but note the activity involves tools and manual effort; the provided data does not specify age or health limits.
4
Casual SightseersNot a passive sightseeing stop—the trip centers on active excavation and specimen preparation rather than a guided walk-through exhibit.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Full-day activity. Open seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, seasonally from June 1 through September 30.

What to Bring

Operator provides hammers and tools; the provided information does not list additional required personal gear.

What's Included

Access to the Fossil Lake Dig quarry, 2 cubic meters of fossil-loaded rock, hammers and tools for splitting, instruction on finding fossils, and assistance in identifying finds.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Can I keep the fossils I find?

Yes. Participants get to keep the fossils they find during the exclusive dig.

How long is the Fossil Lake Safari?

This is a full-day experience.

How much rock do I get to split?

The exclusive dig package includes 2 cubic meters of fossil-loaded rock per booking.

Are tools provided?

Yes. Hammers and tools for splitting rock are provided as part of the package.

When is the quarry open?

The operation is open seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, from June 1 through September 30.

Where is the dig located?

The private Fossil Lake Dig quarry is near Kemmerer, Wyoming, operated by FossilEra Adventures LLC.